Our Christmas events got under way with our two wonderful Brass and Voices concerts held at Seckford Theatre in Suffolk and Chapelfield Methodist Church in Norfolk. Both concerts were, once again, a huge success and attracted large audiences. The Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band, Co-op Ladies Choir, Co-op Singers and Co-op Concentio Youth Choir all joined together to put on a wonderful musical performance. This years concerts involved the use of a new type of instrument, the vacuum cleaner! The task of playing this ‘instrument’ was undertaken by the staff from the Education Development Department and the choirs’ accompanists. The vacuum cleaners played alongside the Band during ‘A Grand Grand Festival Overture’ and were played very well indeed! The band and choirs finished the concerts with a Beatles Selection which was a firm favourite with the audience.

Both concerts were in aid of our ‘Crisis at Christmas Fund’ which supports local organisations who provide food and comfort for the lonely and homeless on Christmas Day.

Another event we held in aid of our Crisis at Christmas Fund was our annual Christmas Lecture given by Dr Pat Murrell. This year’s title was ‘Deck the Halls – Christmas Decorations through the ages.’ The lecture was a ‘sell out’ and Dr Murrell enthralled us with her festive knowledge. From mistletoe to traditional baubles, we learnt about them all! Mince pies were on hand afterwards to fill our boots before heading out into the winter night.

Audiences from all of our events were very generous this year and dug deep to raise a total of £1,767 which was split amongst 19 organisations in Norfolk and Suffolk all of whom give up their Christmas Day to help the less fortunate. The donations were hugely appreciated: 

YMCA: I am writing to thank you most sincerely for the generous donation to the YMCA Residents Christmas Appeal. I cannot emphasise enough how important such donations are to our work at this time of the year when young homeless people are at their most vulnerable.

Gt Yarmouth Open Christmas: Many, many thanks once again for your kind donation of Co-op vouchers…as we have done for the past 13 years we hope to be able to give a good Christmas lunch to over 700 people at the two venues. As I am sure you are aware it will be more important than ever this year in the current economic climate.

Chapelfield Methodist Church, Norwich: We entertained 52 guests, the most we have had yet. We gave them a traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment, tea and a present to take home.

Ipswich Women’s Aid: Thank you very much for the kind and generous donation…it was very much appreciated by the families especially in these difficult financial times.

St Mary’s Parish Church, Attleborough: A Festive Christmas day lunch was served to 29 people who would have otherwise spent the day alone. They arrived at 11am and left at 3.30pm. A team of volunteers drove them to and from the hall, entertained them and served them lunch. I can confirm that a good time was had by all and we plan to repeat the festive lunch next year.

We would like to thank everyone for co-operating together and putting on fantastic events which raised a wonderful sum for our Crisis at Christmas Fund supporting the local community. See you next year!